Chicago Bears WR Alshon Jeffery is still in the long-term plans of the team despite a four-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). The team is unlikely to be dissuaded from signing him to a long-term deal, or applying the franchise tag for a second consecutive year, according to beat writer Jeff Dickerson.

Fantasy Tip: When active Jeffery is a low-end WR1 or top-end WR2 in most fantasy formats, but he will be sidelined until Week 15. With Jeffery on the shelf it will be Cameron Meredith and Eddie Royal attempting to fill the void.

Fantasy Tip: Not only will this keep Jeffrey out of action until Week 15, but it doesn't figure to help the impending free agent with his next contract either. The oft-injured Eddie Royal figures to move into a leading role in his absence given his well-documented connection with Jay Cutler, although the suspension should also mean Cameron Meredith will return to fantasy relevancy for the first time since Brian Hoyer went down. Royal and Meredith can each make strong cases to be legitimate fantasy WR3s down the stretch.

Fantasy Tip: Jeffery visited the end zone for the first time this season. He has at least three receptions in each of his eight games this season, and hopefully the trips to the end zone start picking up more frequently for fantasy owners. The Bears are off in Week 9.

Fantasy Tip: Even the return of Jay Cutler doesn't figure to change Jeffery's immediate fortunes, as Rhodes has successfully shadowed receivers such as Odell Beckham Jr. and DeAndre Hopkins all season long. Following a bye in Week 9, Jeffery should find the going a bit easier in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Fantasy Tip: Jeffery's overall value should see a boost with Cutler back under center, but he is no more than a WR3 against a Minnesota secondary that has allowed just four passing touchdowns and the fewest passing yards.

Fantasy Tip: Owners were probably hoping for something approaching his final line last week (seven catches for 93 yards) against a decimated Packers' secondary, but Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley combined for only 120 yards and 10 completions on 26 attempts. If there is one bright spot, it might be that Jeffery has amassed 24 targets over the last two weeks (seven fewer than his total through the first five games). Things aren't going to get any better with Matt Barkley as his quarterback and the Minnesota Vikings on deck next week, so consider him a low-upside WR2 for that matchup.

Chicago Bears WR Alshon Jeffery ranks 15th in the NFL in receiving yards per game (78.8), but he is tied for 48th with only 31 targets. The latter part of that statement doesn't appear to be a problem for head coach John Fox, who disputed the notion his offense needs to get Jeffery the ball more often despite seeing a fair amount of double teams.
"I think he has been what I would consider - I think our opponents do too - pretty productive. From a production standpoint, to say that we're not getting him the ball is a little bit off," Fox said.

Fantasy Tip: Fox pointed to the fact that Jeffery (22 catches) only trails Eddie Royal and Zach Miller (25 apiece) by three receptions to support his argument, but most successful NFL offenses don't operate on the principle that a slot receiver and tight end produce more than the top receiver. Until that changes and/or Brian Hoyer shows a bit more trust in him, Jeffery's owners should expect more of the same - disappointing WR2 numbers from a player with proven WR1 potential.

Fantasy Tip: Jeffery should be able to play but owners will need to check on his status before deciding on their starting lineup. Jeffery has been trying to build chemistry with QB Brian Hoyer but has not posted great numbers. He should still be at least a No. 2 receiver for owners.